Los Angeles Lakers Media Day: Rob Pelinka presser hot notes

Los Angeles Lakers Media Day for 2017 is finally here! Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka kicked off the day with a press conference.

Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka opened up with a welcome to the new facilities and a story. The story was about Bill Bertka (five decades in the NBA,).

"“The other day he kind of shuffled into my office because he had something on his mind, ’50 years but I have never seen a young group like this. in terms of being back in the offseason, working early on their game, being in the weight room, being on the court doing extra stuff — We have seen what players like Julius Randle and Ivica Zubac and Larry Nance have done to transform their bodies, you will see that today in terms of their body fat and fitness level.”"

Highlights from the presser:

• He has a nine-year-old son and feels that getting exposure to strong teams is the “perfect way for our young scrappy guys” to get experience.
• “Lonzo strikes me as a person who is not really affected by the huge expectations”
• “To just kind of tell stories to him – what it takes not to be good, but to be great,” on how to move forward to guide Lonzo Ball.
• “The ball is pounding 9/10 at night,” he has seen Randle and Brandon Ingram there at night working. Pelinka is happy that Jeanie Buss hired 24/7 security.
• “In our study of both free-agents and draft picks, ‘what is the DNA of a Lakers player?’ – all the people we bring in, we want them to fit that.” Kuzma hired a chef, they made shirts for the team with the DNA makeup.

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• There is a new nutrition consultant, and each player will get their own customized protein drink when they leave practice.
• “When you make an error in judgment or a mistake in life, you have to take responsibility,” and he raises his kids the same way, takes responsibility and moves forward. (On Paul George tampering)
• “Brandon Ingram, the word that comes to mind is “Leadership” he is fiercely competitive. Quiet leaders that lead by example, but the improvement that we have seen – his confidence level has been unbelievable. When I think of him I think of a Lakers leader.”
• “Jordan [Clarkson] is one of our best guards – breaks down a defender and get to the basket – again is a guy that is one of our leaders – I think he will be another player at the end of games to get a bucket.”

Highlights from Pelinka talking to James Worthy:

• They picked up a paint protector in Andrew Bogut.
• Philosophy is to play up like his son plays with older kids, his young team will play against the high-level West Division teams.
• Lonzo leads by his actions, his leadership is different and unique. Not much with his words. Note: Check out my opinion on who the vocal leader should be, it seems everyone is a leader according to Rob.
• Leadership will not just be on Lonzo’s shoulders but the whole team. Note: I feel this is a problem, they need a true vocal leader.
• “We are in that move forward stage,” on learning from the tampering fine.
• “Gunnar Peterson in the weight room completely transform things with his energy. He’s like a Dukie so he had a connection with Brandon [Ingram]”
• New Lakers Player App will give each player information about them.

The press conference began with an introduction of Andrew Bogut who will wear No. 66.

What Popped out at me from the Pelinka press conference was that it seems everybody’s a leader and really I’m thinking there needs to be a leader. Of course, we’re all excited about Lonzo Ball and Kyle Kuzma and the rest of the Lakers.

There are a lot of exciting young players, but Pelinka wants us to focus on the fact that the young players are playing up in the West and this is going to be good for the development of the team.

Next: Brooke Lopez is ready for camp!

The fans, on the other hand, think the Lakers are going to the playoffs and that everything’s going to be glorious. That has yet to be seen though. I’m excited but I’m not holding my breath as Pelinka is only promising exciting play on the court.